Parenting Advice: Talking with Kids about Drugs and Alcohol Abuse

How do I bring up the conversation?

The question is at what age to you begin educating your kids about the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol?   There is not real set age you should begin discussing it, but it should be when they are mentally able to understand what drugs and alcohol are and what they can do to their bodies.

Usually around the age of ten or when your child is in the 4th grade is when they are ready and able to understand the basics of what you are trying to convey to them.  Don’t over-whelm them with fear tactics or gory details; just explain what drugs are, the types of drugs, what they do, and how harmful they are.  As for alcohol, give them the same details about the different types they might be offered and what can happen if they drink it; such as alcohol poisoning, hangovers, and extreme vomiting. 

There are several ways that the conversation can be approached; the least of which is having them sit down, formally, and feeling as though they are being drilled by you.  You can rent a video that depicts drug addicts or alcoholics and when the video is over ask them what they think about it.  The younger they are, the easier it is to get them to listen.  If you wait until they are teenagers, they already know all the facts; probably more than you do, so it’s important to begin the lines of open communication early so they know they can ask you questions in the future.

The conversation should be natural and not rehearsed.  Don’t make them think they are at a lecture and have to sit through it until you are done saying all you have to say.  You should make it a question and answer type of talk; giving them the opportunity to ask questions; no matter how silly they might be.  If they are asking questions that means they have listened to what you have been saying.